Weekend round-up...

Yesterday was good fun, no rain, even enough sun to give us a healthy glow; unfortunately the miles of walking were negated by the amount of sugar the kids consumed, so they didn't drop off to sleep last night as early as I wanted to!

I also made time over the weekend to make a couple of blocks for Bee Blessed.

Sarah has a great tute on her blog for the blocks the lovely ladies over the water are looking for this month.

Using 2" squares, it was dead easy to pull scraps, although they didn't honestly make that much difference to my bulging bags!

They need a good press, they really aren't that wonky; I'll trim them to size, and then send them on their merry way over to Belfast soon xxx

Happy Father's Day!

Because a man only needs so many Moshi Monster drawings, and seeing as my husband already has a quilt and couple of cushions, mug rugs and soft toys, for this year 's Father's Day he has benefited from my new infatuation...

Our initials conveniently make a lovely sentiment!

We are off to the Countryman Fair today - so hoping it stays dry, at least long enough to get everyone fed and worn out.

Hope you are spoiling any men in your life that need spoiling, and if not, spoil yourself xxx

Cockney Stitches...

Having embroidered a bunch of rather random things over the last couple of weeks, I hatched a Father's Day plan for my Dad.

First there was the little dog, which I originally thought I would stick on a card...

Then there was the little old fashioned phone...

So guess what, I stitched up a little bone to complete the scene.

Did you see where I was going?

Now for those who are not familiar with Cockney rhyming slang, I suggest you have a play here.  Aneela suggested I whip up a 'cock' and 'knee', and I may well do so!

I popped the card in the post yesterday, so I hope it arrived today in time for tomorrow, I will phone him in the morning to find out; and I will also be able to show you what I made for my dear husband too.

Father's Day...

Well the handmade offerings to celebrate Father's Day have been handed over, so I am free to share...

A geeky 'scrapple' rug mug...

...and a moo-cow...

The former sprang from the recesses of my brain, trying to think of something the Macman would appreciate, and the Moo was my first make from my 'Meet Me At Mike's', which had sat on the shelf too long waiting to be investigated.  The pattern was pretty simple, although there was no way I was ever going to be able to attach the legs as instructed, (I did try), but I don't mind a bit of slip-stitching to finish anyway.  Made from a piece of Echino and a lot of my upholstery samples, it gained me a tick too, bonus!

I have perfected 'eyes'!  Yes...
Master a few more embroidery stitches, especially French knots.
I can do them with my own peepers closed now - why were they such a problem to me before?

So those were the gifts, along with obligatory giant Toblerone, then we spent a good part of the day at the Sussex Country & Game Fair on the Parham House estate.

I think photos will best explain this...

We ended up getting wet but it wasn't too bad; a 5 minute drive home soon meant everyone could dry off afterwards.

There was a Craft tent with a couple of 'inspiring' stalls; Nicky Louth Davies and Moji Designs.  Take a look at their sites and their prices, and then get your thinking caps on and calculators out... I think there's a School Christmas Fayre with my name on it!

Whatever you got up to today, I hope it made you and those you love smile x